At SoFi Stadium, numerous supporters of Iran showed their defiance against FIFA’s ban by displaying pre-revolutionary Iranian flags, essentially flipping off the organization’s ruling.
On Monday, hundreds gathered outside the stadium to voice their opposition to the Iranian regime before the opening match between Iran and New Zealand. Inside, fans were seen waving pre-revolutionary flags and wearing T-shirts that featured these symbols.
Back in May, FIFA prohibited the pre-revolutionary flag, citing it violated their code of conduct, which bans any political, offensive, or discriminatory banners and paraphernalia at event venues.
Security measures were strict; fans had to pass through metal detectors and bags were checked. Some fans were asked to remove T-shirts with the pre-revolutionary flag. One fan who insisted he was unable to change was told to turn his shirt inside out. Nevertheless, once inside, the stands were filled with flags and shirts, and enforcement seemed lax.
Several Iranian fans turned their backs during the national anthem, a silent but powerful gesture.
Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered outside the venue, waving flags and sporting the national colors in protest against the Islamic Republic. Some chanted “USA” while others displayed images of athletes who had lost their lives due to the regime’s actions.
Los Angeles boasts the largest Iranian community in the U.S., with around 600,000 Persian-Americans residing mainly around Westwood Boulevard, often referred to as “Tehrangels.”
Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran kicked off their demonstration around 11 a.m., aiming to showcase the discrepancy between the Iranian regime’s global image and its treatment of dissidents back home.
The protest also highlighted concerns regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)’s influence over Iranian sports and its crackdown on athletes expressing dissent.
Aida Monfaredo, 42, a protester from San Francisco, remarked, “This team does not represent the Iranian people. They represent the Iranian government, which killed 40,000 people in two days.”
She emphasized, “FIFA just banned our real flag, so we’re here to show you our real flag.”
The Iranian national team faced delays in arriving in the U.S. on Sunday due to visa issues concerning some senior members related to the regime.
Their accommodations were at the West Drift Manhattan Beach, a secure four-star hotel located about nine miles from SoFi Stadium, with heightened security and restricted access for guests.
As per FIFA regulations, the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag remains banned, along with any political or discriminatory materials at the venue.
